The World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP), the Climate Investment Funds (CIF), the UK Department for International Development (DFID), and the Nigerian Rural Electrification Agency (REA) jointly invite you to participate during the learning event: Upscaling Mini Grids for Low Cost and Timely Access to Electricity Services in Abuja, Nigeria from Monday, December 4th toFriday, December 8th, 2017.

This is the fourth mini grid action learning event designed to facilitate investments in the sector as well as accelerate the deployment of mini grid systems to reach universal energy access by 2030. The preparation is in full swing and interlocking as much as possible with the diverse set of ongoing mini grids upscaling activities that are taking place globally but in particular in our host country: Nigeria. Honorable Minister Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN, Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing and Mr. Rachid Benmessaoud, Country Director, World Bank will be opening the event. An overview of the event activities is provided below.

HOMER Foundational Training, December 4 | FIRST COME FIRST SERVED. The HOMER Pro Software (Hybrid Optimization Model for Multiple Energy Resources) simulates and optimizes the design of hybrid power systems. There are 30 spaces for the beginners’ course and 30 for the advanced applicants. Prior exposure to HOMER is preferred.

Nigeria Mini Grid Roundtable, December 5 | OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. The workshop will explore opportunities for collaboration and innovation under the new regulatory and financial landscape for mini grids in Nigeria. Private sector developers and financiers, regulators, state governments, communities, distribution companies, and development partners will share what they are doing or can do to facilitate development of mini grids. Participants will learn about how they can take part in a major new US$350 million Government of Nigeria Rural Electrification Investment Program supported by the World Bank, how new market data will help identify the best opportunities for investment, and how the Nigerian government can support new mini grid development.

Global Mini Grid Technical Conference, December 6 | OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Invited experts and panelists will provide their insights on 10 frontiers to accelerate the development of mini grids, including geospatial planning, regulatory framework, access to finance, community engagement, standardized technology & costing, training and skills building, and private sector joint ventures in the mini grid sector.

Nigeria: Electrification Master Plan Clinics, December 7| BY INVITATION ONLY. Attendees will be invited to attend intensive clinics to better understand the challenges and opportunities unique to Nigeria in off-grid electrification and work toward creative solutions. The topics will include: 1) unlocking barriers to large-scale deployment of mini grids; 2) unlocking barriers to large-scale deployment of solar home systems; 3) unlocking barriers for energizing economic development zones; 4) creating sustainable projects under Energizing Education program; and 5) financing the masterplan for rural electrification. With your input, we plan to have some concrete recommendations to offer the Ministry of Power and Housing and REA.

Field visit to an Operational Mini Grid Project, December 8 | FIRST COME FIRST SERVED. Participation in the field visit is open to all participants, but with a limited number of spaces. A description of the sites will be communicated later.

We also request that you confirm your availability to speak at this event by November 8, 2017through the registration link Kindly note that the World Bank does not assist with visa processing to Nigeria. Should you require a personalized PDF copy of the invitation letter for visa purposes, please kindly let us know., kindly contact Ms. Marjorie K. Araya, our event coordinator: (maraya@worldbank.org, +1-202-473-9621).

In the meantime, kindly use the below registration link to submit your brief professional bio and a headshot. We look forward to your participation in these activities.